ABSTRACT
This essay explores the various artistic techniques in the Nigerian popular lyrics by examining poetic devices and the other artistic forms. It also aims to demonstrate the lyrical prowess and composition of the Nigerian popular lyricists and to provide deeper appreciation of the artistry behind Nigerian popular lyrics and their instrumentality in not just entertaining but challenge and provoke listeners to engage in the complexities of life and society through the universal language of music. The study is limited to the analysis of a corpus of Nigerian popular lyrics including the lyrics of: Priest's "Puff" Puff Pass" featuring Falz, 2face's "African Queen" and "Raindrops", Emo Grae's "How Come" featuring Zinoleesky, Kizz Daniel's "Twe Twe" featuring Davido, Falz's "Something Light" featuring Ycee, Savage's "Confident" featuring Buju, Davido's "If', Falz's "Child of the World", Davido's "Intro", Fireboy's "Need You", "Ilashe" by Ruger and Buju, Young John's "If You Leave", Phyno's "Connect", Flavor's "Ndi Ike" featuring Falz and Odumodublack, Adekunle Gold's "Kelegbe Megbe", Fela Kuti's "Zombie", Psquare's "Reason with Me" and 2Face's "Man Unkind". In this study, the lyrics will be analyzed for the use of poetic devices and other of artistic elements. The study will also consider the ways in which they are used to convey the message of the lyrics. The qualitative method is used to examine the Art of the Nigerian popular lyrics. The analysis is based on the close reading of the lyrics and the findings are supported by evidence from the lyrics. The lyrics are analysed for the use of rhymes, pun, simile, rhetorical question, code mixing, code switching, call and response and storytelling considering the way they are used to convey the message of the lyrics and the effectiveness of these techniques and devices in conveying the message. Nigerian popular lyries are an important form of showing the lyrical artistry and composition of the Nigerian popular lyricists. This study analyzed the use of poetic devices and other forms of art in Nigerian popular lyries and found that Nigerian popular lyrics use a variety of artistic techniques to make their lyrics catchy and captivating to the listeners and are rich in poetic devices such as pun, rhymes, simile ete. These devices they are used to create vivid imagery, evoke emotions and emphasize the message of the lyrics. The study found that the use of poetic devices and other artistic techniques are effective in conveying their message to the listener.
